Many organisations - from commercial publishers, food companies and industry bodies to public sector organisations, charities and pressure groups - produce educational materials about food and nutrition. Some of this material is great, some is not so good. When considering whether any publication or website is useful for your school you may want to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is this publication's viewpoint?
  
• Does it present a biased or balanced argument?
  
• Is there sufficient information and explanation?
  
• Could information be misinterpreted?
  
• Who has produced this publication?
  
• Who has sponsored it?
  
• How up to date is this publication?
  
• Is this just a glorified advertising brochure?
  
• Does it use the Balance of Good Health and the five food groups? (or does it use the American 'pyramid' diagram?)
  
• Does it include other aspects of healthy lifestyles?
  
• Is it appropriate for the age and ability of the children?
  
• Is it relevant to the national curriculum?
  
• Does it avoid gender and racial stereotypes?
  
• Does it take into account different age groups and family types?
  
• Does it use alarming terminology?
  
• Does it condone extreme eating patterns?
  

More Information These questions are adapted from the government's voluntary guidelines on Educational Materials Concerned with Nutrition, produced as part of the Health of the Nation Initiative. The Quality Information Checklist (www.quick.org.uk) is an online teachers guide to checking the quality of health information.

We think you might find this list of publications helpful. Some are classroom materials while others are background information or advice. The Healthy Living Blueprint website may also provide links to useful organisations and publications. Visit http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/wholeschool/healthyliving/